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Long before there was a nation called the United States, there was New Kent County - more than 121 years earlier, in fact. Our history describes the early struggles between the native Americans and the European settlers. Visited by gold-seeking Spaniards in the 1500s, colonial exploration of New Kent began in earnest when Captain John Smith of England was captured near Lanexa at Windsor Shades by the natives as he explored the Chickahominy River. Carried across New Kent lands to the Powhatan main village, he was befriended by the native American princess Pocahontas (Matoaka). The first eight counties or shires in Virginia were formed in 1634, but by 1654 the population was so great that several new counties were formed. New Kent, said to be named for County Kent, England, was among them. At the time it contained parts of what is now James City County, all of King William, King and Queen, Hanover, and all points west that were inhabited. Settlements first grew along the rivers. Brickhouse, the first town in the Eltham area, would serve as the courthouse until 1691. Bacon's Rebellion ended at Brickhouse in 1676. New Kent also proclaims itself as "the home of the first First Lady" Martha Dandridge. Yes, New Kent has a significant and colorful history.
Mission: The Society collects, preserves and disseminates information relating to history, antiquities and literature of New Kent County, Virginia. It is organized for historic and educational purposes, and as a resource to the public, to include birth, marriage and death notices starting from the 1600s.
